“The Kleese don’t know about that building, do they Wade?”
“No,” responded Wade, softly. He put down his fork and looked over at Beth. “The Kiveans are up to something, and I suspect we’re going to play a major role in it. Marken has made it very plain that if the Kleese ever learn what our people are doing with what’s in that research building we could all lose our heads.”
“We’re being manipulated by them,” Beth said with a long frown. “I don’t like that.”
“I spoke to Captain Jenkins, and he feels the same way,” Wade answered. “He suggested we play along for now until we see exactly what the Kiveans are up to.”
Beth nodded. She knew there wasn’t anything else they could do and the military research people were learning a lot about Kleese technology.
-
Wade peered cautiously over the partially destroyed wall he was taking cover behind. Earlier that morning, they had landed upon the Bresth home world and launched their attack. The Bresth were not a humanoid race and their thinking was radically different. They fought in packs and had little regard for their losses as long as they won in the end. They were bearlike, standing nearly eight feet tall with thick, muscular bodies. A heavy coat of hair covered them from head to toe and they were ferocious fighters. The biggest problem with the Bresth was their lack of sound military strategy. As a result, their casualties were much higher than necessary.
One of the tactics the Bresth had been using that morning was strapping high explosives to their bodies and then rushing the Human lines, trying to get close enough to set off the bombs to destroy battle suits and the Human operator inside. They had been successful eight times so far with their suicide attempts.
“What’s our latest casualty figure?” Wade demanded over the com system to Lieutenants Williams and Jeffries. There were one hundred and twenty marines under his command, and they had been hit hard that morning by the suicide bombers. Lieutenant Jeffries had been assigned to his unit along with forty of his marines.
“Eight dead and twelve wounded,” reported Williams with concern in her voice. “Each attacking wave has been larger than the last. I don’t know how much more of this we can handle.”
“I have several scouts out, and they report that the Bresth are getting ready to hit us again,” added Jeffries, worriedly. “It won’t be much longer.”
Wade let out a heavy sigh; the Kleese had wanted to capture this manufacturing city intact as a demonstration of Kleese power. So far, Wade had been using only rifle fire and had stayed away from using explosives or the energy weapons so as to reduce the amount of damage they caused.
Blinking his eyes, he knew he was not going to be able to hold the Bresth causalities down. Not unless he was willing to suffer heavy casualties to the marines under his command. He switched to the general frequency so all of his marines could hear him. “All right everyone, we’ve played nice and taken some casualties; now it’s time to end this. Those of you with energy weapons are free to engage targets of opportunity. Lieutenant Williams, there are four large storage buildings in front of us. I want you to take them out with your suit launchers; we’ll follow it up with a barrage from our energy weapons.”
“That’s going to cause a lot of Bresth casualties,” she replied, letting out a deep breath.
“I know,” answered Wade. “But I don’t think we have any other choice.”
Lieutenant Williams quickly assigned her marines to specific targets and gave the order to fire. From eighteen battle suits, two high explosive rounds arched up into the air to fall upon and around the four indicated buildings. The buildings covered two full city blocks and the Bresth had been using them for cover to gather for their next attack. The buildings were three stories high and made out of concrete and steel.
The explosive shells landed; each one had enough explosive power to level a small building. All four structures vanished as massive explosions rolled across them. Smoke and fire filled the air and then, after a few seconds, the shelling stopped.
Wade gazed over the wall and was astonished at the carnage caused by the suit’s explosive rounds. He had known they were powerful, but nothing like this. Of the four large buildings, nothing was left standing; all that was visible was a smoking pile of rubble with occasional wisps of fire. Of the enemy troops, there was no sign.
“Advance,” ordered Wade, wanting to take advantage of the break in the enemy lines.
Wade jumped over the eight-foot wall with his rifle in his right hand and began sprinting toward the destroyed buildings. On his HUD, he could see green and amber icons representing the marines in his command moving up in a staggered line. Looking to his right, he could see several blue energy beams firing and hear the resulting loud, crackling noise whenever they struck something.
“Here they come,” Lieutenant Jeffries yelled over the com as the Bresth finally put in an appearance. They were charging forward in a massive wave numbering in the hundreds.
“Use rifle explosive rounds and the energy weapons,” Wade ordered evenly, knowing they were going to have to kill the Bresth troops.
He knew some of those Bresth would be armed with explosive charges, and he was not going to risk losing any more of his marines. He could hear the savage screams and primeval roars of rage coming from the charging Bresth.
Explosive rounds began going off, killing dozens of Bresth at a time and blasting wide swaths in the charging ranks. Several massive explosions shook the ground as Bresth troops carrying explosive charges were hit and their suicide charges detonated. The air became full of smoke as the fighting intensified and more Bresth troops joined in, attacking from the flanks.
“Where’s our support?” Lieutenant Williams screamed as a Bresth soldier carrying a suicide charge detonated just short of her position, showering her suit with shattered stone and debris.
“They didn’t move up when we did,” Lieutenant Jeffries reported. “They’re still pinned down by suicide bombers. Both of our flanks are under heavy attack!”
“Then we have to do it on our own,” Wade said decisively as he realized what had to be done. “Use of suit explosives is now authorized. I want everything around us and to the city’s center leveled!”
Wade knew that this might anger the Kleese as they had wanted to capture the city intact, but he was determined not to take any more unnecessary casualties. Already the Bresth were getting uncomfortably close to his marine’s positions.
“Firing,” Private Dawson spoke as he began shooting explosive rounds from the two tubes on the back of his suit.
“Same here,” Private Russell added as he targeted a large building about a kilometer away.
“I want some of those rounds directly in front of us; the Bresth attacking wave must be eliminated.”
Responding to his orders, massive explosions began to go off in front of Wade and each side. Entire buildings vanished as they were pulverized by the powerful explosives. The noise reached an incredible crescendo as explosions marched across the city.
The Bresth screamed in renewed fury at the destruction around them and attempted to rush the now deadly Human line, hoping to breach it while they still had the advantage in numbers. Several explosive rounds fell amongst the nearest Bresth, wiping out entire sections of their advancing troops. The attack faltered and then came to a sudden halt as energy beams tore into the beleaguered attackers.
For a full minute, Wade watched impassively as the explosions marched across the city, destroying everything in their path. Even small skyscrapers ten to twenty stories high fell victim to the powerful explosives.
When the explosions finally stopped, Wade gazed at the devastation his orders had wrought. An area of the city four city blocks wide and nearly a kilometer in length had been leveled. A few fires burned and smoke was prevalent in the air, but Wade knew that there was nothing left living in the section of the city he had just ordered destroyed. He felt numb, knowing that his orders had probably killed hundreds if not several
thousand enemy troops.
A few Bresth troops had turned and fled back to the flanks, running from the carnage that Wade had let loose. Their will was broken, and Wade suspected the battle might now be over. The word of what he had done would soon spread to the other defenders. What enemy in their right mind would want to face what had just been unleashed upon the heart of the city?
“That’s done with,” Wade spoke calmly over the general com frequency. “Let’s move to the city’s center and wait for pickup.”
“They’ve pulled back,” Beth spoke as she motioned for her troops to advance. “I don’t think they’ll be returning.”
They moved forward in silence, everyone awestruck at the damage the new suits were capable of inflicting. Each one had the power and destructive capability of a full company of marines.
“Keep a watch out,” Wade cautioned as he stepped over a pile of smoldering rubble. “There may still be a few Bresth around.”
“The other units on our flanks are moving up now,” Lieutenant Williams spoke. She too had been stunned by the damage they had inflicted. “They are reporting that the enemy troops are withdrawing and fleeing the city.”
“I think we’re in the clear,” Lieutenant Jeffries added with relief in his voice.
Wade nodded; this part of the battle was over, and he wondered just what the consequences of his actions would be when they returned to the station. Would what he had ordered cause the Kleese to activate the collar around his neck for destroying such a large part of the city? He didn’t know, and at the moment, he didn’t care. His actions had ensured that no more of his marines were lost or injured, and that was what was important.
-
Marken gazed at the viewscreen in astonishment and fear. Never had he imagined that the Humans would use their suits to wreak so much destruction upon the Bresth city. Already he was wondering how he was going to explain this action to the Kleese who were standing by in one of their large, disk shaped ships.
“The Kleese are giving us permission to launch the drop ships and pick up the Humans,” one of the other Kiveans reported from his position at communications. “The Kleese are also reporting that the Bresth have surrendered and are now willing to join the Empire.”
Marken breathed a long sigh of relief. He knew from monitoring communications that Lieutenant Nelson had been the one to give the order to use the battle suit’s higher explosives to level part of the city. It seemed as if the lieutenant’s gamble had worked. He also knew there would be no punishment from the Kleese as the planet was now under their control.
“Send the drop ships down,” Marken ordered with a satisfied nod. Unless the Kleese specifically forbid it, he planned on allowing the Humans to keep the new battle suits. Of course, not all the Humans had the new suits, only a select few.
Marken watched on the main viewscreen as four drop ships left the flight bay and headed for the planet. It was unfortunate that a few Humans had been killed on this mission, but in war there were going to be occasional casualties. Marken was just thankful that none of the key Human officers had died or been injured. Once the assault ships returned to the station he would meet with his fellow conspirators and finish making plans for their escape. All the pieces were now in place; all they needed to do was speak to a few of the Humans and set everything into motion.
He knew that what his race was planning would probably set off a galactic war between the Kleese Empire and the Humans. How it would end he didn’t know, but he strongly suspected the Kleese would not be prepared for what was coming.
Chapter Twelve
Michael Kirby carefully brought the Raven down onto the snow-covered parking lot of the large shopping mall. As soon as he felt the landing struts touch down and was satisfied that his ship was on a firm foundation, he turned off the engines.
“Searchlights on,” Brian spoke as he reached forward and flipped several switches. He was anxious to see just what was out there.
Instantly a set of brilliant lights flared to life on the outside of the ship, illuminating the side of the shopping mall nearest them. They were in a small town in Ohio on a scavenging mission to gather computer parts. This particular mall had several large computer stores as well as a smaller one that specialized in building powerful computers for small companies.
“Everything looks quiet,” Sergeant Andrews said as he stared fixedly at several viewscreens on the forward wall of the Control Center in front of Michael that were focused on the mall.
Looking attentively at one of the viewscreens, he could see where the roof of the mall had collapsed in several key spots from the sheer weight of the volcanic ash and snow. He just hoped the collapsed roof hadn’t damaged any of the computer stores.
“Darren is giving us forty-eight hours to strip the mall of computer parts,” spoke Michael, looking back at Sergeant Andrews wanting to make sure he was clear on that point.
“Any chance of survivors?” asked Andrews, turning his attention to Michael.
“There have been no radio signals or other signs of anyone still being alive anywhere near here for several months,” Michael responded. Since the last eruption at Yellowstone, very few survivors had been found in the northern half of the country.
“What about other items?” Brian asked, his eyes focusing on Michael. “After all, this is a mall and it’s bound to have a lot of other things we need. Hell, there are some things that I need!”
“Computers and computer parts first,” Michel said firmly. “Then, if we have time, we can load the ship up with anything else that might be useful.”
Brian nodded. It had been six months since they had made their first trip to Earth in the Raven. During that trip, they had rescued a CDC doctor and his family. Due to the large number of refugees being taken up to Luna City and Vesta, they were short of nearly everything. Brian would love to spend a few hours just gathering up some personal items. Even a few new shirts would be nice.
-
A little while later, Michael climbed into one of the two modified Humvees in the main cargo hold. Sergeant Andrews now had ten army rangers under his command. Four of them would stay with the ship while the rest, as well as Michael and a few other crewmembers, would go out on the scavenging mission.
The two Humvees drove up to the mall and after a little searching, found the main entrance. The ash and snow seemed to be well over a foot deep and both were still falling. The volcanic eruptions had continued to intensify, and now the entire planet was suffering heavy ash fall. Michael knew that even at Jornada it had become necessary to clear the three long runways a minimum of four times a day just so the shuttles could safely launch and land.
“The main entrance seems to be intact,” Sergeant Andrews said as he put on his breathing mask and goggles. He pulled up the hood of his parka and opened the door of the vehicle.
Michael flinched as the cold air hit him. He knew the temperature outside was now hovering close to the five to ten degree mark. Getting out, he walked with Andrews and the other army rangers to the large glass doors, followed by the members of his crew that had come along. At least the short breezeway in front of the doors was protecting them from the falling snow and ash.
One of the rangers tried both of the large doors and found them to be locked. Using the butt of his assault rifle, he broke out the glass panel on one so they could gain entrance. Once inside, they made their way to the large map of the mall at the end of the wide corridor, shining their lights around at the stores that surrounded them. Most seemed untouched. It was eerily quiet inside; the only sounds besides their voices were their footsteps echoing hollowly in the corridor.
“One of the computer stores is on the second level, and the other two we want to check are the first,” Sergeant Andrews announced as he pointed out the locations on the map. He turned around to face the assembled group seeing that everyone had made it inside. “I will take one group to the upper level. Corporal Burns, you will take your group and check out the other large co
mputer store. If you see or hear anything, call out on the radio; I don’t want there to be any surprises.”
“There shouldn’t be,” Michael said evenly. “According to Holbrook Station it’s been months since any radio signals have been picked up in this area. A ship rescued a small band of survivors north of here and there has been nothing since.”
Michael went with Corporal Burns and they were soon standing in front of the computer store on the main level. “I don’t like this,” Michael said as he looked in astonishment at the tiled floor outside the store. He could see evidence of footprints in the ash that had made itself inside through holes in the roof.
The footsteps led off further into the mall and vanished into darkness where their lights didn’t shine. The four army rangers shifted nervously on their feet, their heavy assault rifles at the ready. Two other members of the Raven’s crew were with them besides Michael.
“There could be survivors in here after all,” Michael said, gazing into the darkness. “The mall would have everything people would need to survive. Clothes, food, water, and even camping gear.”
“You’re right,” replied Corporal Burns, uneasily. He quickly called Sergeant Andrews and reported the footprints.
Michael looked around, wondering if anyone was watching them from the darkness. The mall was quiet and there was no other evidence of anyone else being around.
“Sergeant Andrews says they’ve found footprints upstairs also,” Burns reported, looking worriedly over at Michael. “We’re to check the store out first and then begin searching the mall to see if anyone else is actually here. I’ll post a guard outside the store while the rest of us go inside and see if what we need is present.”
Michael nodded. After gaining entrance, they set up several portable lights they had brought with them. Searching the back of the store, they were pleased to find a large supply of the most recent computers and computer supplies still in boxes in a large storage room.
Galactic Empire Wars: Destruction (The Galactic Empire Wars) Page 19
